Jim Gerlach

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Owen J. Roberts High School Girls Soccer Team on their victory in the 2003 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAA State Championship game on November 15, 2003. The Owen J. Roberts Wildcats set a school record for victories in a season on their way to capturing the school's first state championship. In the seven year history of the program, all under the guidance of Coach Joe Margusity, the Wildcats have compiled an amazing 138-31-6 record. The team allowed only 11 goals in 28 games this season, which was enough to earn them gold medals by shutting out Butler High School, 1-0, in the championship game at Hersheypark Stadium. Led by Head Coach Joe Margusity, and assistant coaches Josh Hoyt, Joe Baccille, and Chris Strango; the members of this championship team include Laura Ginnona, Becky Lesh, Brittany Bench, Julia Cupp, Jen Michener, Jess Carbo, Anna Bevan, Brooke Dotterer, Kristen Kaufman, Kim Roncase, Beth Stephens, Heather Manorak, Kristi Moltz, Kate Moltz, Ashley Nespor, Amber Cumins, Gayle Exley, Amber Hawkins, Rachel Michener, Jillian Morgan, Kristine Preski and Megan Levengood. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Owen J. Roberts High School Girls Soccer Team, the 2003 PIAA Class AAA State Champions.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walter J. Styer, retiring Supervisor of Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and commend him for his life-long service to our community. When Walter Styer first took office as Supervisor, Upper Uwchlan Township was a rural farming community with only 1,200 residents. Today, after three decades of continuing growth and development, there are now 7,000. As the community has grown, so has the job of supervisor. Mr. Styer's primary responsibility during his time in office has been to make sure that Upper Uwchlan grew responsibly and that the needs and desires of its citizens were continually met. In the beginning, his meetings would take 20 min, and would revolve around paying the bills and reading the road report. In recent years, it has not been uncommon to have multiple meetings in a single week for several hours at a time. His participation in the supervising of a rapidly growing community is a true testament to his commitment and his willingness to adapt to the increasing demands of the position. Over the years, as more and more time was required as supervisor, Walter Styer still found time to run his own businesses, remain active in his church and raise four children. What has kept him going all these years was his desire to see all of his projects and undertakings to a successful conclusion--a testament to his character and drive. His tremendous leadership and experience as been an enormous asset to Upper Uwchlan Township and has allowed it to grow responsibly and successfully for all these years. Mr. Speaker. I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing and honoring Walter J. Styer for his lifetime of exemplary citizenship and civil works to make Upper Uwchlan Township a better place to live.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Colin A. Hanna for his eight years of service as commissioner of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Colin Hanna was first elected Chester County Commissioner in November 1995 and ran successful races to serve as Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners in 1998, 1999, 2001 and this year, 2003. After only six months, he was elected by his colleagues to represent the County on the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, which he chaired for two terms spanning four years from 1996 to 2000. He was also appointed Chairman of the Housing Authority of Chester County where he saved the agency from insolvency by undertaking an extensive reorganization process. During his tenure, the nationally-acclaimed County comprehensive plan, ``Landscapes,'' was adopted and Chester County achieved its first bond-rating increase in 28 years, bringing it to the second highest in the Commonwealth. Mr. Hanna is a two-time recipient of the Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence--once with his commissioner colleagues and once individually. Mr. Hanna has lived in Chester County virtually his entire life and chose to attend college at the University of Pennsylvania in nearby Philadelphia where he met his wife Pricie in 1967. After graduating from the University in 1968, Colin was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy. When his military service ended, he became employed with the CBS network in New York before returning to Chester County in 1972. He continued his work with CBS in Philadelphia before becoming President of Industrial Advertising Incorporated, which at the time was Chester County's largest advertising agency. Eventually, he would sell his ownership in the agency and pursue work in the marketing field as a management and executive search consultant. He continued his consulting work until 1991 when he founded PC Helper, a computer support and maintenance firm specializing in small business networks. In 1996, Colin Hanna sold his firm and chose to devote his time and energy to public service and the job of County Commissioner where he has remained a tremendous asset to the community. Mr. Hanna brings with him to the Chester County Board of Commissioners years of hard work, experience and leadership that has allowed him to be a driving force in making Chester County a better place for all of its residents. I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Colin Hanna for his exemplary citizenship and service to our community. His enduring devotion and unwavering support has made him a man for which Chester County and our entire nation can be proud.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Chester County Chapter 377 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and all of its members on the 50th anniversary of its founding. The National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), an organization of former workers of the United States government, was established in 1921 and has grown to over 420,000 members--each of whom is affiliated with one of 1,591 chapters nationwide. They perform an advocacy role at the national level in promoting and protecting the annuity and health insurance rights of all former employees. It also provides significant services to all United States government retirees by aiding them in understanding and utilizing their individual rights under current directives. Much like other national advocacy groups, NARFE is separated into state organizations which are further subdivided into a number of local chapters based on population and geography. In Pennsylvania, there is a statewide federation of approximately 22,000 members who likewise are affiliated with Chester County Chapter 377 or one of the 56 other local chapters. The Chester County Chapter 377 of NARFE encompasses the entire county and has a membership of over 400 retirees. The Chapter holds ten meetings a year hosting outside speakers on a variety of issues important to its members. I am honored to be speaking at their 50th Anniversary luncheon on December 2, 2003. In addition to the meetings, NARFE members are informed on retirement issues through a national monthly magazine and from periodic chapter newsletters. I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Chester County Chapter 377 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, its President Stewart F. Taylor, and all of its members on the 50th Anniversary of the its founding. Half a century of hard work and dedication has led to great success in protecting the benefits of retired federal employees in Chester County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across the United States.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the ranking member from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for their great work and their staffs' great work in bringing H.R. 1516 to the floor today. Special thanks to the lead Democrat sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel), for his persistence, not only in this session but in prior sessions to bring this to a conclusion today legislatively. I also would like to thank the Senator from Pennsylvania, Senator Specter, and his staff and ranking member, Senator Graham, for their work also over on the Senate in allowing us to move this forward. Most importantly, I would like to thank the veterans of southeastern Pennsylvania for their great service and sacrifice to our country over the years. This legislation was introduced last March to establish a new national veterans cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania; and as that bill moved through the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am very pleased to see that the additional sites were added for other areas of the country that likewise have the need to have veterans cemeteries for their veterans. The need for a cemetery in our area is well-documented and long overdue. The Philadelphia national cemetery is virtually closed with the exception of cremated remains to nearly 400,000 veterans that reside in the five counties and make up the metropolitan Philadelphia area. While cremation may be alternative to some, it is certainly not the preference to most; but unfortunately it is the only option for Philadelphia-area veterans currently if they want to have their remains reposed at a veterans cemetery close to home. The only other national cemetery in our region is the Indiantown Gap Cemetery, which is a long drive from Philadelphia and can be very difficult for widows, widowers, and other family members who want to visit the graves of their loved ones. I would note that more than 290,000 area veterans live more than 65 miles from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has expressed his support for the establishment of a new cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania after analyzing two factors not taken into account in the previous veterans affairs department study. First, the Beverly National Cemetery in nearby Burlington County, New Jersey, is filling up faster than expected and is only available to New Jersey veterans. Additionally, the department recently added Monroe County, Pennsylvania, to the greater Philadelphia service area, thereby increasing the number of the veterans in need to over 175,000, the statistical benchmark for the establishment of a new cemetery. The Secretary also acknowledged that the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is at least 80 miles from Philadelphia, which contrasts with the Department's guidelines of having a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of a veteran's home. Consequently, the Secretary has expressed his support for a new cemetery in our area to honor those who would be laid to rest there. This legislation would provide for its establishment within a 4-year time period and allow for the input of local officials and veterans in determining its specific site. The importance of a veterans cemetery from our part of Pennsylvania has already been recognized for a long period of time. In 1862, the 37th Congress created the National Cemetery of Philadelphia when they initially established what has become a large network of national cemeteries across the United States. Southeastern Pennsylvania veterans and the veterans living in the other areas included in the bill today should, like those in the past, have the opportunity to be buried close to home after providing the same level of heroic service and sacrifice to our Nation. I urge the support of the Members when we vote on this legislation and, again, thank the chairman of the committee for his support.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Joseph J. Tarantino, recipient of this year's Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, for his numerous years of service to our community. Joseph J. Tarantino is the President of Continental Realty Company Incorporated, based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania. He oversees fifty employees and agents and all seven of Continental Realty's divisions, which include professional services in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, insurance, relocation, appraisals, new construction, property management and advertising & marketing. In addition to his official capacity at Continental Realty, Mr. Tarantino has served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission, President of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Board of Realtors, and Federal District Coordinator of the National Association of Realtors. He has also maintained several community affiliations such as Chairman of the Borough of Bridgeport Revitalization Committee, President of the National Italian Political Action Committee, Chairman of the Central Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Director of the American Heart Association and Director of the Pathaway Schools Joseph Tarantino has been recognized on several occasions by his business peers as well as those in the community. He has been a recipient of the Realtors Active in Politics Award, the Central Montgomery County Board of Realtors Realtor of the Year Award and the Americans of Italian Heritage of Montgomery County Outstanding Citizen Award. All of the honors and awards he has received, as well as the positions of leadership Mr. Tarantino has held are a true testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown toward his profession and community. Joseph J. Tarantino is an exemplary citizen for which Montgomery County can be truly proud and I can not think of a more deserving individual to receive the Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing and honoring Joseph J. Tarantino for all that he has done over the years to make Montgomery County, Pennsylvania a better place to live.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the Union Fire Association on the 100th Anniversary of their company's founding. Ever since its establishment 100 years ago, the Union Fire Association has been an important member of Lower Merion Township. As the community has grown and prospered over the years, so has the Fire Association which now is one of the finest and well-equipped in the region. The volunteers of this fine company deserve all the support that we may offer. They serve selflessly and tirelessly in order to protect their fellow citizens and, in the times of uncertainty we face today, their heroics are immeasurable. They are citizens just like you and I-- teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, electricians, engineers, police officers. The list goes on and on--all willing to make sacrifices to ensure public safety. Before a member of this Company even sets foot into their first fire, they must undergo hours of training and, once completed, the education continues with advanced classes to learn vehicle rescue, firefighter rescue, pump operations and so on. As a service to the community, they put on demonstrations that educate us on how to stay safe in emergency situations. They are an irreplaceable and integral part of our community, whether it is raising money for a cause, adding to the joy of a local parade or hosting meetings and social functions. Clearly, the members of the Union Fire Association have served proudly and I rise today to recognize their service over the past 100 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Union Fire Association on their 100th Anniversary and salute, admire and appreciate all the volunteers that have served this community for so many years.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edwin R. Hill for his 30 years of service as manager for East Caln Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Edwin R. Hill has served as one of only two full-time employees for East Caln Township for over three decades, where he took on many duties under his title of Township Manager. With his retirement, Mr. Hill leaves behind a legacy any public official would be proud of, and East Caln Township will be hard-pressed to replace such a fine individual. In addition to his position as Township Manager, Edwin R. Hill was a past President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, a role and an honor in our state that truly illustrates his tremendous leadership abilities. Mr. Hill made it a point over the years to pass his tremendous knowledge and experience on to others. He was a part-time instructor for the Governor's Center Municipal Training Classes where he taught such courses as Road Masters Class, Commercial Drivers License Training and orientation courses for newly-elected officials. Mr. Hill also served on the Chester County Planning Commission, as well as various other local committees to resolve issues in municipal government. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing and honoring Edwin R. Hill for the hard work and dedication he has demonstrated over the years in making East Caln Township, Chester County and all of Pennsylvania a better place to live.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles L. Huston III, recipient of this year's Chester County Community Foundation Lifetime Philanthropy Award, for his numerous years of service to our community. Charles L. Huston III is Vice President for Community Relations and Director of Operations for the Huston Foundation--a private, charitable foundation located in Conshohocken Pennsylvania. The Huston Foundation was established by his father, Charles L. Huston, Jr., and aunt, Ruth Huston, in 1957 and has been a proud part of our community ever since. In addition to his official capacity at the Foundation, Mr. Huston is an active Trustee of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust and a member of the Primitive Hall Foundation located in Chester County. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Chester County, Handicrafters, the Brandywine YMCA, and Family Service of Chester County. His other affiliations include the Delaware Valley Grantmakers, National Council on Foundations, the Lincoln Institute for Policy Research and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO). After graduating from Spring Garden College and serving his country for four years in the United States Air Force, Charles Huston III began an illustrious career with the Lukens Steel Company. He served as Vice President of Government Relations and served on the Board of Directors as both Vice President and Corporate Assistant Secretary before becoming a lobbyist for the company in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg. Mr. Huston's hard work and tremendous business sense made him an enormous asset to numerous groups in our region over the years. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvanians for Effective Government and the Commonwealth Foundation, a group founded for establishing public policy alternatives. The Chester County Community Foundation Lifetime Philanthropy Award was created in 1999 to honor Dr. Henry A. and Barbara M. Jordan for their lifelong contributions to the County. In addition to the special honor, the Jordan Award contributes $5,000 to the Chester County charity of the recipient's choice. I can think of no person who deserves this honor more than Charles L. Huston III, a man Chester County and our nation can truly be proud of. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing and honoring Charles Huston III for the hard work and dedication he has demonstrated over the years in making Chester County, Pennsylvania a better place to live.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize members of the Linfield Fire Company on the 90th Anniversary of their company's founding. Following a disastrous fire, which completely destroyed the Sanitary Company of America's foundry nearly a century ago, a group of concerned citizens met in Brownback Hall to discuss what the community could do to avoid similar disasters in times of emergency. During that meeting in October of 1913, the plans were laid down to form the Linfield Fire Company, whose purpose would be to protect people and property from any future tragedies. A year later, the Company purchased its first piece of equipment for $600, a horse-drawn chemical apparatus with two sixty- gallon tanks. This established their permanent place in the community. As the community has prospered over the years, so has Linfield Fire Company. It began with a saddler's shop for a station and a drawn wagon as its only apparatus. But in just four years, the Company had outgrown its humble home and made the necessary move into a larger building. Only six years later, in 1924, the Company again moved into another station which could house the growing amount of equipment they had and would continue to accumulate during the 61 years spent there. In 1985, Linfield Fire Company made one final move into the fire station that houses them today at 1077 Main Street. The volunteers of this fine company deserve all the support that we may offer. They serve selflessly and tirelessly in order to protect their fellow citizens and, in the times of uncertainty we face today, their heroics are immeasurable. They are citizens just like you and I-- teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, electricians, engineers, police officers. The list goes on and on--all willing to make sacrifices to ensure public safety. Before a member of this Company even sets foot into their first fire, they must undergo hours of training and, once completed, the education continues with advanced classes to learn vehicle rescue, firefighter rescue, pump operations and so on. As a service to the community, they put on demonstrations that educate us on how to stay safe in emergency situations. They are an irreplaceable and integral part of our community, whether it is raising money for a cause, adding to the joy of a local parade or hosting meetings and social functions. Clearly, the members of the Linfield Fire Company have served proudly and I rise today to recognize their service over the past 90 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Linfield Fire Company on their 90th Anniversary and salute, admire and appreciate all the volunteers that have served this community for so many years.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize members of the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company on the 75th Anniversary of their company's founding. In the spring of 1928, the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Civic Association purchased a single, used, chain-drive ``Brockway'' pumper truck, recruited a few eager volunteers and began operations out of a private garage that is now known as the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company. In just a year, the newly formed fire company purchased a new ``American LaFrance'' pumper truck and installed a roof alert system signifying their newfound presence in the local community. In 1931, the Board of Directors of the Company purchased land just down the road from their temporary home and erected the fire house that remains on Rock Glen and Manoa Roads today. The new firehouse provided not only a home for their new truck, but also a meeting place and classroom for present and future generations of volunteers to train and serve. As the community has grown and prospered over the years, so has the Fire Company, expanding to three garages for its two pumpers and one ladder truck. They have also added sleeping quarters so that there can be 24 hour coverage by paid firefighters, as well as making further renovations and improvements to the meeting rooms. Over the past 75 years, Penn Wynne-Overbrook Volunteer Firefighters Brigade and Board of Directors have been examples of exemplary governance and planning, as they have served the community with dedication, devotion and sound business management. The Penn Wynne- Overbrook Hills Fire Company is consistently able to update and replace old or out-of-date equipment in order to maximize their ability to protect the health and property of those that they serve. In 2004, they anticipate the arrival of a new rescue truck and personnel carrier that is currently being designed. The 45 volunteers of this fine company deserve all the support that we may offer. They serve selflessly and tirelessly in order to protect their fellow citizens and, in the times of uncertainty we face today, their heroics are immeasurable. They are citizens just like you and I-- teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, electricians, engineers, police officers. The list goes on and on--all willing to make sacrifices to ensure public safety. Before a member of this Company even sets foot into their first fire, they must undergo 80 hours of training and, once completed, the education continues with advanced classes to learn vehicle rescue, firefighter rescue, pump operations and so on. As a service to the community, they put on demonstrations that educate us on how to stay safe in emergency situations. They are an irreplaceable and integral part of our community, whether it is raising money for a cause, adding to the joy of a local parade or hosting meetings and social functions. Clearly, the members of the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company have served proudly and I rise today to recognize their service over the past 75 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Penn Wynne- Overbrook Hills Fire Company on their 75th Anniversary and salute, admire and appreciate all the volunteers that have served this community for so many years.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hereford Township, Pennsylvania on the occasion of the Township's 250th Anniversary. I proudly represent the citizens of Hereford Township in the 108th Congress and would like to highlight the history of the Township as the current residents prepare to celebrate this special occasion on Saturday, October 4, 2003. Before intrepid settlers from Europe arrived in the area we currently know as Hereford Township, the area was inhabited by Native Americans of the Delaware or Lenni-Lenapi tribe. These first inhabitants of Hereford Township practiced limited agriculture in the fertile soils of eastern Berks County while hunting and gathering in the area. During the early part of the eighteenth century immigrant settlers began to arrive in Berks County. Their origins primarily German, Swiss and English, these settlers found their way to present day Berks County as they sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe. The very earliest settlers to Hereford Township arrived between 1710 and 1720. At this time, the land was dominated by thick forests that would soon be cleared to provide fields for crops. While the challenges these first settlers faced were great, in Hereford Township they found a large fertile valley and fields that were very productive, as they remain today. The Perkiomen Creek provide ample water for these crops and was also the base of development for Hereford Township's first industries. The Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries provided power to support grist mills, sawmills, a fulling mill and forges. The early iron industry provided metal for nails, plow blades and other utilitarian devices that made the lives of these early settlers easier. The heavily wooded hillsides also provided the timber for heat, homes and charcoal for the burgeoning iron industry. During the Fall of 1734, the Schwenkfelders, a religious group from Silesia, arrived in Philadelphia and many quickly made their way to Hereford Township. By 1745, Hereford Township had been settled by not only the Schwenkfelders but also Lutherans, Reformed Menonite and Catholic immigrants. Not long after, on February 1, 1753, Hereford Township was formally established, less than one year after the foundation of Berks County on March 11, 1752. During the remainder of the eighteenth century agriculture and the iron industry flourished and produced prosperity in Hereford Township. In many ways Hereford Township has remained the same over its 250 years. While we have become more technologically advanced through the years, Hereford Township remains a close rural community, today of about 3200 residents. Mr. Speaker, again, I rise to recognize Hereford Township and her citizens on the occasion of its 250th Anniversary.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert H. Diefenbacher, retiring President of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, and commend him for his life long service to our community. Robert Diefenbacher began his tenure as President of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce in August of 2000, following his retirement as a successful local entrepreneur. His 38 years of business and marketing experience has been a tremendous asset to the chamber and has provided unwavering guidance and support to its membership. He spent 10 of those years creating and growing his own advertising, graphic design and printing business, a true testament to the hard work and dedication apparent in all his undertakings. During his illustrious career Mr. Diefenbacher has worked as a consultant, professor, and journalist, passing his limitless knowledge on to countless others. He has held various management positions in companies such as IBM Corporation and Decision Data Corporation. As a young man, after receiving his Bachelor and Master of Management Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robert served in the U.S. Navy as the Chief Engineer on a destroyer in the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets. His heroics serving our nation as well as serving those in our community demonstrate Robert's tremendous leadership abilities and have allowed him to hold countless positions of prestige. He is the current Chairman of the West Whiteland Township Concert Series, a past President of the Rotary Club of Central Chester County, past Chair of the Chester County School to Career Partnership. He served as Chair of the Continental Committee of Paoli Presbyterian Church and is Past-Chair of the Advisory Committee of the former Penn State Technology Development Center Business Incubator. Robert's service has not gone unnoticed by his peers, he has received the Service Award from the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, was recognized with Thirty Awards for Excellence in the Neographics Competition of Graphics Arts Association, received a Philly Gold Award for a Consumer Magazine Advertising Campaign, a Business of the Year Award from the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, an Outstanding Service Award from the Chester County Intermediate Unit and a Chamber Service Award from the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. I ask that my colleagues join me today to commend and honor Robert H. Diefenbacher for his many years of service to our community and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Skippack Lions Club during its 50th anniversary celebration. The Skippack Lions Club was chartered in September of 1953, with the assistance of the nearby Kulpsville Lions Club. As we all know, Lions Clubs across the nation are made up of active and energetic citizens who undertake numerous initiatives and projects to make their communities better places to live and raise families. Beginning in 1917, Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. Since 1925, when Helen Keller addressed the Lions Club International Convention and challenged the group to become ``knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,'' the Lions have been committed to providing assistance and service to the blind through a wide variety of activities. Today, with more than 46,000 clubs in 192 countries, Lions activities have expanded to help meet the needs of the global community. The Skippack Lions Club hosts several annual events, including a community Halloween parade, an Easter egg hunt and a Veterans Day program. The Club fulfilled an important need within the Skippack area by sponsoring the Skippack Community Ambulance Association. The Lions were also instrumental in forming the Skippack Recreation Association, which continues as an active community organization, providing swimming and other recreation to Skippack area residents. I am proud to represent an organization that has spent so many years in the service of others. I wish to extend my thanks, and the thanks of all those who have been helped by members of the Club. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting Skippack Lions Club on reaching this milestone.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on its 125th Anniversary. In 1682, William Penn purchased the land that would become Limerick Township from the Lenni Lenape Indians of the Delaware Tribe. His purchase paved the way for the area's first settlers who, in the Township's infancy, were mostly Welsh, Germans, Holland Dutch and French Huguenots. An official petition to form ``Lymmerick Township'' was filed in Philadelphia in March of 1726 and the original document remains in City Hall, Philadelphia, to this day. Manatawny Road, which we know today as Ridge Road, was the name given to the main road through the Township from Trappe to Pottstown and was built in 1718. The area's first schools were started by parents and were usually part of the neighborhood churches with instruction focusing on religion, reading, writing and arithmetic. Limerick hired its very first law enforcement officer, a constable, in 1767, before organized police protection began in 1961. For the first 250 years of Limerick Township's history, all public records were kept in individual homes until the municipal building was erected in 1973, with a ceremony and dedication in 1974. In 1968, the Philadelphia Electric Company selected a site within the Township for construction of two nuclear power generating units and, by 1986, the plant was fully operational. Today there are four elementary schools that serve the Township's children, two fire companies, an airport and numerous churches--just a few more indications of how the community has grown through the years. Flourishing Limerick Township, however, saw an acceleration of growth particularly after the opening of the Pottstown Expressway (Rt. 422) in 1985, which connects the Limerick area to King of Prussia as well as nearby Philadelphia. Since its completion, the Township has seen skyrocketing residential and commercial growth resulting in many new businesses and residents who call Limerick Township home. Today, Limerick Township, one of the oldest townships in Pennsylvania, is considered one of the most desirable and respected communities in the Philadelphia region. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Limerick Township for 125 years of history, heritage and service. I also recognize the fine citizens and officials of Limerick Township, including Township Supervisors Thomas J. DiBello, Kenneth W. Sperring Jr., Francis T. Grant, Frederick L. Fidler and Joseph T. Greco, for making Limerick Township the wonderful community it is today.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on its 300th Anniversary. What began as a Mennonite community organizing the Lower Skippack Mennonite Church in 1702 is now a beautiful, mostly residential community known for an exceptional quality of life. The township has a history that dates back to the earliest years of our nation and was a camp and resting place for George Washington and his troops on more than one occasion. The township as we know it today was created in 1886 when Perkiomen and Skippack, established from Mathias Van Bebber's purchase of land from William Penn in 1702, was divided into two townships. Skippack was comprised of three villages: Creamery, Lucon and Skippack. The area was heavily agricultural and domintated by Mennonite owned lands. The principal community is Skippack village located at the junction of Routes 73 and 113. Two land acquisition programs had a tremendous impact on the makeup of the township. The first was the establishment of the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Graterford in 1927. The second was the establishment of Evansburg State Park in 1970. These two sites occupy nearly half of the township's acreage, dedicating it to public use. In addition to Evansburg State Park, which lies along Skippack creek and provided countless recreational activities, there are two other parks. Privately owned Hallman's Grove provides a baseball field and pavilion to the community and a plot of land given to the township by J. Hansell French, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture from 1935- 1939 is used by local scout groups. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Skippack Township for 300 years of history, heritage and service.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the National Association of Town Watch for its outstanding commitment to building police/community partnerships and its effectiveness in developing and supporting neighborhood and community watch programs through its annual National Night Out program. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, I would like to recognize the National Night Out program for the important role it plays in helping local law enforcement fight crime, drugs, and terrorism and providing safety and security to America's communities. The National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a national nonprofit community-crime prevention association located in Wynnewood, PA, organizes the annual National Night Out, developing relationships between the local community and law enforcement officers in order to build safer and more secure neighborhoods. NATW provides information, program support and technical assistance to local citizens and communities to establish local community-crime prevention programs. National Night Out has been at the forefront of community crime prevention for two decades. What began as a relatively local and small program in the Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey tri-state area has become the largest annual grassroots crime prevention event in the nation. A small U.S. Department of Justice Grant in 1984 helped to support the first National Night Out, reaching 2 million people in 400 communities in the tri-state area. Today, this program includes 33 million people in 9,850 communities across the United States. Last year alone, 400,000 citizens in 150 communities organized new community watch programs, a true testament to the effectiveness of the program. National Night Out has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress for well over a decade. It has also enjoyed the support of every president since Ronald Reagan. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton each participated in the event while in office. In addition, law enforcement and municipal organizations such as the National Sheriffs Association, the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have expressed strong support for National Night Out. It is also engaged in key partnerships to help communities. This year, National Night Out is supporting the National Child Identification Program (NCIDP), a joint partnership between the American Football Coaches Association and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide identification kits to parents and guardians to help locate missing children. Mr. Speaker, these are just some examples of the value of the National Night Out program and the important role of NATW. National Night Out, a public-private partnership that receives part of its funding from the Edward Byme Memorial Grant program, is one of the fastest growing, cost effective community anticrime programs in the nation. It has proven to be a powerful tool for building stronger, safer neighborhoods. I understand the value of National Night Out and, as a result, have asked appropriators on the Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary Appropriations Subcommittee to support National Night Out funding. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that this statement be included in the Record and I urge my colleagues to support National Night Out.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Carl McLlroy and all he has done for this Nation and East Vincent Township. Carl McLlroy, a veteran of the Korean War, dedicated much of his life ensuring that the history of our Nation and our community was displayed in a manner we could all be proud of. As chairman of the East Vincent Historical Commission, Carl initiated efforts to restore a burial plot of 22 Revolutionary War soldiers, which is now known in our community as the Revolutionary Soldiers Cemetery. He spent countless hours manicuring, grooming, placing flags and planting flowers. Under his careful watch, a sign was placed above its entrance, a flagpole was erected and a wall was refurbished, all with Carl doing much of the work himself. He labored long and hard to turn this neglected treasure into a shrine that truly embraces the importance of the cause for which these soldiers died. Each year during Independence Day, our community gathers at the historic cemetery to honor the 22 soldiers that are buried there and celebrate the freedoms for which they fought. On July 4, 2003, Carl McLlroy was honored with the 22 soldiers at the Revolutionary Soldiers Cemetery and a plaque was unveiled that pays special tribute to him and all of his efforts. I ask that my colleagues join me today in celebrating the life and achievements of Mr. McLlroy. He was an exemplary citizen and a faithful patriot and he will truly be missed.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and their staffs for their great work in bringing H.R. 1516 to the floor today, and I would also like to thank and acknowledge the kind comments of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel) and his great work and support in bringing this bill to this point today. I thank the gentleman for his work, not only this year, but in previous years in this effort. Also a special thank you to our colleagues on the Pennsylvania congressional delegation for their support as well. Most importantly, we would like to thank the veterans of southeastern Pennsylvania for their great service and sacrifice to our country over the years. This legislation was introduced last March to establish a new national veterans cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania; and as that bill moved through the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am very pleased to see that some additional sites were added. As was mentioned by the gentleman from Connecticut, Birmingham, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; Bakersfield, California; and the Columbia-Greenville, South Carolina, area were added. It would also require that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs establish new and much-needed cemeteries within 4 years of the date of enactment of this legislation. Aside from establishing these important national cemeteries, another important provision of this measure will provide for local involvement in the selecting of sites for these cemeteries. Under the legislation, the Secretary for Veterans Affairs is directed to solicit the advice and the views of representatives of local veterans organizations and other individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate. The need for a new veterans cemetery in our community is well documented and long overdue. The Philadelphia National Cemetery is virtually closed, with the exception of cremated remains, to nearly 400,000 veterans that reside in the five counties and make up the metropolitan Philadelphia area. And while cremation may be an alternative to traditional burial for some, it is not the preference of most. But, unfortunately, it is the only option that Philadelphia-area veterans currently have if they want their remains reposed at a veterans cemetery close to home. The only other national cemetery in our region is the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, which is a long drive from the Philadelphia area, and can be a very difficult trip for widows, widowers, and other family members who want to visit the graves of their loved ones. I would note that more than 290,000 area veterans live over 65 miles from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The Secretary for Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, has expressed his support for the establishment of a new cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania after analyzing two factors not taken into account in a previous Veterans Affairs Department study. First, the Beverly National Cemetery in nearby Burlington County, New Jersey, is filling up faster than expected and is only available to New Jersey veterans. Additionally, the Department recently added Monroe County, Pennsylvania, to the greater Philadelphia service area, thereby increasing the number of veterans in need to over 170,000, the statistical benchmark for the establishment of a new cemetery. Secretary Principi also acknowledged that the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is at least 80 miles from Philadelphia, which contrasts with the Department's guideline of having a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of a veteran's home. Consequently, the Secretary expressed his support for a new cemetery in the greater Philadelphia area to honor those who would be laid to rest there. This legislation will provide both for its establishment within a specified time period and allow for the input of local officials and veterans in determining a specific site. The importance of a veterans cemetery in the southeastern Pennsylvania region has been already recognized. In 1862, the 37th Congress created the National Cemetery of Philadelphia when they initially established what has become a large network of national cemeteries across the United States. Southeastern Pennsylvania veterans of today, as those of the past, should likewise have the opportunity to be buried close to home after providing the same level of heroic service and sacrifice to our Nation. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel) in particular, and also the members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for their work in bringing H.R. 1516 to the floor today, and I would urge all Members of the House to support this much-needed measure.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2328, designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2001 East Willard Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert A. Borski Post Office Building''. Congressman Robert Borski represented Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District, which encompasses Northeast Philadelphia, the River Wards, Society Hill and portions of Queen Village for 20 years. When he retired from Congress last year, he was the third ranking Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and was the ranking member on the Highways and Transit Subcommittee. Congressman Borski was also a member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, the Congressional Delegation to the North Atlantic Assembly and the Ad-Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs. As a senior member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and subcommittee ranking member, Congressman Borski was a vocal advocate of an improved national transportation system and a strong federal commitment to public infrastructure and mass transit programs. In Philadelphia, his legislative efforts have resulted in millions of dollars for SEPTA, I-95, neighborhood roads, and transportation improvements, which have benefited the Port of Philadelphia and the surrounding area. In addition to his committee assignments, Congressman Borski represented the concerns of his constituency serving on the Older Americans Caucus, the Diabetes Caucus and the Prescription Drug Task Force. Mr. Borski build a reputation as an accessible representative, holding public meetings, open office hours and manning two district offices to serve his constituents. Before being elected to Congress in 1982, Mr. Borski served three terms in the Pennsylvania State House where he was equally successful. Mr. Speaker, I think there is no better way to honor Congressman Borski's 20 plus years of public service than to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 2001 East Willard Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert A. Borski Post Office Building''. I urge all of my colleagues to join me today in supporting H.R. 2328.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for his dedication to adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. Members of the Pennsylvania delegation have some concerns as to whether State pharmaceutical assistance programs like PACE and PACENET in Pennsylvania will be able to fully coordinate their programs with Medicare drug plans to provide a seamless transition for beneficiaries and States that already have prescription drug plans.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker; I rise today to commend my constituent, 7- year-old Alexandra Scott, for the work she is doing to raise money for those living with cancer. Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, when she was just a year old. Six years later, she has had six surgeries and still undergoes chemotherapy treatments at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. When Alex was four, she told her mother that she wanted to have a lemonade stand and give the money that she made to her hospital in Connecticut, where they lived at the time. In July of 2000, Alex started her first lemonade stand and raised over $2000. Shortly thereafter, the Scott family moved to Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Each summer, Alex has opened her lemonade stand with proceeds going to help others battling cancer. So far, Alex has raised over $80,000 for cancer research. Money has been donated to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and Toireasa's Dream, a neuroblastoma research fund set up in memory of Alex's friend, Toireasa Barry. The Philadelphia Foundation recently presented Alex with its ``Philanthropist of the Year'' award. I encourage my colleagues to join me in applauding Alexandra Scott on her accomplishments and in sending her our prayers for her recovery. May she continue to serve as a role model for all of us.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bryn Mawr Fire Company of Bryn Mawr, PA on its 100th anniversary. Almost a century ago, citizens of Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Rosemont came together to form a fire company. The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas approved the Certificate of Incorporation for the Bryn Mawr Fire Company on December 21, 1903, even before the Township in which it was located was chartered. The Company acquired its first horse-drawn engine the following year and the fire house was dedicated 2 years later in May of 1906. The Bryn Mawr Fire Company has served its community in exemplary fashion over the past 100 years and today there are almost 40 volunteer firefighters in the Company. The Company responds to over 500 calls per year throughout Lower Merion, Radnor and Haverford Townships. The volunteers of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company take every aspect of their job very seriously. Members drill every Monday night and participate in a live burn drill each month. Firefighters from the Company attend schools and conferences all across the country. The Company sends members into the local schools to talk about fire prevention and hosts an open house every year to educate the public about fire safety. For the past 100 years, the citizens of Bryn Mawr and the surrounding communities have been able to depend on the courageous men and women of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting the Bryn Mawr Fire Company on reaching this important milestone.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge #273 of Ardmore, Pennsylvania on their 150th anniversary. Cassia Lodge has the distinction of being the first permanent establishment of Freemasonry in what is now known as the ``Main Line.'' Since their founding, the Masons of Lodge 273 have made invaluable contributions to their community and to Pennsylvania. Faith, honor, integrity, responsibility for one's actions, the absolute right to intellectual and spiritual freedom and self-control are the Masons' core values and principles. After the first Grand Lodge was founded in England in 1717, Masonry's rich history was solidified in America by such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Many would argue that the Masons and Masonry played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and an even more important part in the Constitutional Convention. For 150 years, the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have worked to maintain this tradition and standard of excellence while producing many prestigious community and professional leaders of their own. The members of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have been proven and active leaders in our community, providing a wide range of services to a wide range of people. They have hosted numerous Sunday school groups, one of which went on to found St. Mary's Church, which is now located just across the street from the Lodge. On another occasion, they opened their doors to the students of a neighboring school when their schoolhouse suffered severe damage from a fire. Acts of kindness and compassion like these have been commonplace in the history of Cassia Lodge and I am sure that they will continue to be an exemplary organization for years to come. Mr. Speaker, the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have served as a model for all Masons for 150 years. Their commitment to God and country, emboldened by their brotherhood, has set a high standard for all Masonic lodges.